UK Car Rental Frequently Asked Questions
With over 60 years of experience in the travel industry, 20,000 rental locations worldwide, and extensive travel resources to assist you in putting together the perfect itinerary, Auto Europe is well prepared to send you on a road trip of a lifetime through the United Kingdom. If you've read our comprehensive United Kingdom travel guide and still have questions about driving your rental car in the United Kingdom, hopefully they're addressed below, but if not, check out our general car rental FAQ, or reach out to one of our travel experts toll-free at 1-888-223-5555. Our team of award-winning travel experts is available 24/7 for your convenience and we'd more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have about renting a vehicle in the United Kingdom.
What side of the road do people drive on in the UK?
Vehicles in the United Kingdom travel on the left side of the road, just like driving a car in Ireland, India, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand, among others. Driving on the left side of the road emerged from popular horseback-riding styles; by having the wheel on the right side of the car, the sword or pistol hand is left free for combat. Although you probably won't be doing much sword fighting while cruising in your rental car, it's certainly useful to understand how to drive on the left side of the road, we've got tons of pointers to help you prepare in our tips for driving in the UK section of this travel guide.
What type of vehicle is best for touring the UK?
The appropriate vehicle for your tour of the United Kingdom depends entirely on your travel plans and needs. Traveling with the family or a large group of people on an extended road trip? You'll probably want a 7-passenger van that will comfortably fit your passengers and all their luggage. Are you spending extensive time in the city and don't plan on driving much? Consider a compact car that will be able to easily navigate narrow city streets and save you money on gas. Planning on hitting the rugged countryside or the highlands of Scotland? Perhaps a four-wheel drive SUV would be the ideal vehicle for you. Ultimately, the best vehicle for your trip is the one that perfectly balances your travel needs and your budget, review our fleet guide in the UK to determine what class of vehicle fits your needs and budget.
How old do I have to be to rent a vehicle in the UK?
You must be at least 22 years old to rent a vehicle in the United Kingdom, although some suppliers require the driver to be at least 25 years old. Additionally, drivers under years old 25 may be required to pay a daily "young driver surcharge" to rent a vehicle. Call your Auto Europe reservation agent for more information, 1-888-223-5555.
What if I find a better deal for a car rental in the UK?
Should you find a better price for a car rental in the UK, Auto Europe offers a best-rate guarantee where we'll beat any price for a comparable car rental. If you do find a better price, we invite you to fill out our Guaranteed Best Rate Form and we'll get you a better deal. Not only does this provide you with a great price, it also ensures you're receiving the guaranteed best price in the car rental industry.
What do I do if I get into an accident or have any problems with my car rental in the UK?
Should you have any sort of problem or get into a collision or accident with your rental car in the UK, immediately contact Auto Europe at +1-207-842-2000 (if calling from the UK). Our travel experts are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with any problems you may be having with your rental vehicle, whether you've had an accident with your rental car, or are having a disagreement with an agent representing the supplier of your rental. Arguably the biggest benefit to booking with a broker like Auto Europe is our longstanding relationship with our car rental partners, we're here to assist you and advocate on your behalf should any issues arise with your rental vehicle.
Are there any discounts or specials for long-term rentals?
In addition to offering the guaranteed best rates in the car rental industry, Auto Europe offers great special offers and discounts for long-term car rentals. If you're planning to rent for 21 days or more in the United Kingdom, you could acquire a factory-new, tax-free short-term car lease for a Peugeot vehicle at a spectacular price. There are tons of benefits to booking a short-term lease over a traditional rental, so contact us today at 1-888-223-5555 if you're planning an extended stay in Europe.
Do I need a credit card to rent a vehicle in the UK?
Technically, there may be some suppliers that will allow you to rent a vehicle with a debit card in the United Kingdom, although most suppliers require a credit card held in the name of the primary driver. Check out our page on car rental insurance in the UK for more info regarding the pro's of renting with a credit card, and if you don't have a credit card, contact one of our travel experts at 1-888-223-5555 who can see if they can find a supplier who will rent a vehicle to you without a credit card.
Can Auto Europe assist me in making arrangements for my other travel needs in the UK or elsewhere?
Of course we can! Auto Europe's sixty years experience in the travel industry means we have partners representing every aspect of travel; we can assist in making arrangements for hotel accommodations, private chauffeurs, luxury vehicle rentals, flights to Europe, riverboat cruises, and rail tickets. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need assistance making any of the above arrangements, and if you're looking for a package deal, great discounts can be had when booking car rentals or hotels with your flights to Europe.
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